Exports of U.S. beef, pork and lamb trended higher year-over-year in March, according to data released by USDA and compiled by the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF). Beef export value was the highest since June, while Latin American markets again fueled pork export growth. March exports of lamb muscle cuts were the largest in more than five years.
March beef exports totaled 109,330 metric tons (mt), up 1% from a year ago, while export value reached $922 million—up 4% and the highest since June. Export value per head of fed slaughter was the seventh highest on record at $466.77.
March export growth was led by strong performances in Taiwan, Mexico, Central America, Chile and Africa. Exports also increased slightly to China, though this momentum will be short-lived due to China’s retaliatory tariffs and expired plant registrations. March exports were steady year-over-year to Japan and modestly lower to South Korea.
First-quarter beef exports were slightly below last year’s pace at 310,368 mt, but increased 2% in value to $2.53 billion.
“Despite a great deal of uncertainty, global demand for U.S. beef remains robust and resilient,” said USMEF President and CEO Dan Halstrom. “The March export results confirm this, with demand trending higher in Taiwan and Mexico, reaching record levels in Central America and holding up well in Japan and Korea.
“Although we anticipate that China’s retaliatory tariffs and expired plant registrations will have a more drastic impact on April and May exports, the U.S. industry’s efforts to diversify markets and broaden U.S. beef’s global footprint are definitely paying dividends.”
March lamb exports
Exports of U.S. lamb muscle cuts totaled 278 mt in March, up 45% from a year ago and the largest since December 2019. Export value increased 18% to $1.5 million. Through the first quarter, exports increased 26% year-over-year to 747 mt, while value was up 10% to $4.1 million. Growth was driven primarily by Mexico and the Caribbean, with Trinidad and Tobago shining among Caribbean markets. Exports also trended higher to Central America.
A detailed summary of the January-March export results for U.S. pork, beef and lamb, including market-specific highlights, is available from the USMEF website, usmef.org. — USMEF
